Where do you work and what is your title?
I am general manager of the Norris-Penrose Event Center, a facility owned by the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation.
What do you do there and/or what are you responsible for?
Pretty much everything. Our facility hosts numerous events throughout the year – everything from wine tastings to rodeos. We also produce several events of our own, such as the Pikes
Peak or Bust Rodeo, Ride for the Brand Championship Ranch Rodeo, Chuck Wagon Cook-off, Summit Brewfest and the Pikes Peak Demolition Derby. We also board approximately 50
horses on a year-round basis.
How long have you been doing this kind of work (total)? How long on the Westside?
I became general manager of the facility in May of 2004. That's how long I've been on the Westside.
What do you like best about it (other than quitting time)?
All of these events bring a wide variety of people to our facility. I enjoy working with them. It always makes it interesting and challenging. All of the money we raise goes towards local
military charities. The foundation has been doing that since 1946. That means a lot to me.
If you could change one thing (other than pay), what would it be?
It would be nice to even out the workload; from the first of May to the first of September there are no days off. You no more than wrap up one event and you roll into the next one.
What part of your work did your training/education never prepare you for?
Event management. By that I mean everything from an event's concept, production, marketing, sponsorships, ticketing, etc. I've learned a lot. Prior to managing the Norris-Penrose Event
Center, my education and experience had been in construction and ranching.
What makes working on the Westside special?
I like this side of town – great people and great restaurants. I get a kick out of the bumper stickers here. You won't see them anywhere else.

“What do you do?” is a regular feature in the Westside Pioneer. If you know someone who has an interesting job on the Westside (but doesn’t
live here), he/she might be a candidate for this column! If you know someone who might qualify, give us a call at 471-6776.